The audience at Thursday’s performance of “Fela!” on Broadway got an extra thrill when an unannounced guest arrived – the first lady.
Michelle Obama and six girlfriends stunned theatergoers when she arrived at the Eugene O’Neill Theatre on 49th Street to catch the Tony Award-winning musical about Fela Kuti, the Afrobeat artist and Nigerian political activist.
“When the audience realized that she was in the audience, they just went nuts,” said Stephen Hendel, who co-conceived and produced the show. “People started standing up and applauding, saying ‘We love you!’ and ‘We love you, Michelle!’ It took a minute or so to get the audience to settle down.”
The musical features dancers mingling with the audience and the first lady’s group was seated along Row G, where many of the dancers cross over. The Secret Service asked the dancers not to change their performance but to give Obama some extra space.
RELATED: First Lady Michelle Obama Brings “Let’s Move” Campaign To Harlem School [VIDEO]
RELATED: Barack & Michelle Obama Dance With Local Children In India [VIDEO]
